In our ongoing exploration of the year’s most infectious extreme metal tracks, we delve into Part 15 of our curated list. If you’re just joining us, you can catch up on the series’ introduction and previous selections via this link and the MOST INFECTIOUS SONGS-2011 category.
The journey through 2011’s metal landscape has revealed a remarkable spectrum of sounds, mirroring both diverse tastes and the genre’s expansive creativity. Yet, a certain sub-genre, while prominent, has been conspicuously absent from our list thus far. It’s a style often labeled, sometimes pejoratively, due to an influx of bands and solo projects seemingly equating technical Meshuggah-esque riffs with genuine songwriting. This over-saturation risks diluting the essence of what makes a truly compelling metal track.
Originating from a descriptor of a down-tuned guitar’s sonic character, this sub-genre’s label has unfortunately become shorthand for a formulaic approach. Creating memorable and, crucially, infectious music demands more than just start-stop rhythms and complex polyrhythms. The tracks we spotlight today exemplify this crucial “something more.”
TEXTURES
Textures Dualism album cover, representing one of the good metal songs of 2011
Our publication previously lauded Textures’ 2011 album Dualism in a detailed review here and an insightful interview here. Like our reviewer, we’ve long admired Textures; their consistent quality is undeniable. Before the term “djent” became widespread, “math metal” seemed a fitting, though still limiting, descriptor. Textures has consistently demonstrated a rare gift: crafting songs that are not only rhythmically intricate and viscerally impactful but also profoundly melodic and unforgettable. Continue reading »
